Desiderata for the poor Filipino voters

(With apologies to Max Erhmann) Do not go placidly and peacefully because amidst the politicians' noises and haste, there is no more peace, there is no silence. The "trapos" have totally destroyed all peace and all serenity. As far as possible, do not be on good terms with, much less surrender to the whims of, dirty politicians. In their midst, you can not speak your truth quietly, much less clearly, because ''trapos'' are dull to the realities on the ground and ignorant of the sufferings of the people. Their stories are all deceptions. Politicians are manic aggressive and obtrusive nuisances. They are vexations to your spirit.

Be alert. These "trapos" always compare themselves with their opponents. They are always vain and better. But, when weighed and found wanting, they are always bitter, but no better. They never admit that there are candidates who are better and greater persons than they are. Do not show that you enjoy the achievements of traditional politicians because there are none. They have no performance, but all plans. Every elections, they concoct all such grandiose aspirations without any intent to transform them into actions. The politicians do not have any other career but to treat the government like a family corporation. They arrogate to themselves their positions as if the government is their own possession.

Be wise and discerning. The politicians do not exercise caution in their business affairs, even if the government is their only business and their only affair. These political animals are full of trickery and are absolutely without any virtue. They are blind to the sufferings of the people, deaf to the cries for mercy and compassion and both morally cripple and ethically mute who are not expected to stand up in order to speak for the oppressed and the victims of injustices. They have no appetite for high ideals, and are cowards when times demand for heroism. Politicians are shallow and spineless. So, go placidly and beware of their deceptions.

Beware of their masked pretensions. Politicians always feign affections, shedding crocodile tears or forcing a laugh just to please their audience. Be cynical about the politicians' professed love. They are often heartless and are completely incapable of any gentle feeling. Politicians are all barren and nothing but plain aridity that breeds only disenchantment. They are nothing but like grasses to be trampled upon by humanity, neither producing any fruit nor flower that can mitigate the injuries they inflict on the more useful flora. The politicians' counsel is empty even with their advanced years, and their actions often reckless like the mindless cravings of youth.

Nurture strength in spirit to shield you from sudden misfortunes because they are many abetted by politicians who always distress you with their dark imaginings. You have to fear their lies born invariably from their baseless fatigue and manic loneliness. Be gentle with yourself without being reckless in the face of politicians who are aliens to discipline. Yes, you are a child of the universe like the trees and the stars. But so are the snakes, serpents, and scorpions that are not unlike the corrupt and scheming political animals. You have the right to be here but always take utmost caution against the temptations of the snakes that are cleverly disguised as politicians.

Therefore, be at peace with God. But reject the devil in politics. And, yes, do not be in good terms with politicians. Life is good but "trapos" are the purveyors of bad things. They are all shams, drudgeries and they are the proximate causes of broken dreams. It used to be a very beautiful world, until the politicians destroyed it. And so, how can you be cheerful. How can you strive to be happy?

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